Borgarfjörður in West Iceland is one of those regions that quietly steals your heart. It’s less crowded than the south coast, yet packed with waterfalls, hot springs, lava fields, and charming small towns. If you’re planning a road trip from Reykjavík or exploring the west, Borgarfjörður is the perfect base – and with comfortable stays like Hvítá Inn from Ourhotels.is nearby, it’s easy to slow down and really enjoy the area.
Located just a short drive from Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn sits in the peaceful countryside near the glacial river Hvítá. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring Borgarfjörður’s highlights: historic sites, geothermal baths, and scenic drives that lead you deeper into West Iceland and onward to places like Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður.
One of the must-see spots in Borgarfjörður is Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, a pair of waterfalls that show off the region’s volcanic character. Hraunfossar is a series of gentle cascades flowing out of a lava field, while Barnafoss is a narrow, powerful torrent cutting through rock. From Hvítá Inn, you can easily make a day trip to these falls, combining them with a visit to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The steam and bubbling water there give you a real sense of Iceland’s geothermal energy, and nearby Krauma Spa offers modern hot tubs and relaxation with a view.
For travelers interested in history and culture, Borgarfjörður is rich in sagas and stories. Reykholt, once home to the medieval writer and chieftain Snorri Sturluson, is a short drive from Borgarnes. You can walk around the historic site, see the old hot pool, and learn about Iceland’s literary heritage. Staying at Hvítá Inn makes it easy to visit Reykholt in the morning and still have time for an afternoon hike or a soak in a hot pool.
Outdoor lovers will find plenty of hiking and walking options in Borgarfjörður. The area around the Grábrók crater offers short, accessible trails with wide views over lava fields and farmland. It’s a great stop when driving between Reykjavík and Borgarfjörður, and a natural fit for anyone staying at Hvítá Inn and exploring the region by car. In summer, the long daylight hours mean you can fit in several sights in one day without feeling rushed.
Borgarnes itself is a pleasant town to visit, with a scenic coastline and the Settlement Center museum, which tells the story of Iceland’s early settlers and the sagas connected to this region. It’s a good place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal, or simply stroll along the shore before heading back to the quiet countryside at Hvítá Inn.
Many travelers combine Borgarfjörður with a wider West Iceland itinerary, and this is where Ourhotels.is can really simplify your planning. After a few nights at Hvítá Inn exploring Borgarfjörður and Borgarnes, you can continue north and west along the coast to Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður, staying within the same friendly hotel family.
Stykkishólmur, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is a colorful harbor town known for its beautiful views over Breiðafjörður Bay and its island-dotted seascape. The Stykkishólmur Inn from Ourhotels.is offers a comfortable base right in town, so you can walk to the harbor, restaurants, and viewpoints. From here, you can take boat tours among the islands, explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its black beaches and cliffs, and then return to a cozy room at the end of the day. Many visitors find that combining a stay at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður with a few nights at Stykkishólmur Inn gives them a perfect mix of inland scenery and coastal charm.
If you’re continuing even farther into the Westfjords, Ísafjörður is a natural next step. Ísafjörður Inn, another welcoming property from Ourhotels.is, places you in the heart of this dramatic fjord landscape. From there, you can explore steep mountains, quiet fishing villages, and remote beaches, all while knowing you have a warm, comfortable base to return to each night. Linking Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn in one trip lets you experience three very different sides of West Iceland without having to search for new accommodation brands in each town.
When planning your Borgarfjörður trip, it’s worth considering the seasons. Summer brings green valleys, accessible hiking trails, and nearly endless daylight, making it ideal for road trips that include Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords. Spring and autumn are quieter, with fewer visitors and a good chance of seeing the northern lights on clear nights. Staying in the countryside at Hvítá Inn gives you darker skies and less light pollution, which is perfect for aurora watching. In winter, roads can be icy or snowy, but the region has a special calm beauty, and hot springs and cozy inns feel especially inviting.
Driving in Borgarfjörður and the wider west is generally straightforward, but it’s wise to check road and weather conditions daily, especially outside summer. The main roads to Borgarnes and Borgarfjörður are paved and well-maintained, and from Hvítá Inn you can reach most major sights on good roads. If you’re continuing to Stykkishólmur Inn or Ísafjörður Inn, allow extra time for photo stops – the views along the way are often irresistible.
For a smooth, enjoyable trip, consider booking your stays through Ourhotels.is so you can move easily between Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. This way, you can focus on the landscapes, the hot springs, and the stories of West Iceland, knowing that each night you’ll return to a comfortable, familiar place.
Borgarfjörður rewards travelers who take their time. With its waterfalls, hot springs, historic sites, and peaceful countryside, it’s more than just a stop between Reykjavík and the Westfjords – it’s a destination in its own right. By using Hvítá Inn as your base and linking your journey with Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn, you can turn a simple road trip into a memorable exploration of West Iceland’s most beautiful corners.
